How to Remove Second Space from Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

The second space feature on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is often a convenient tool for separating work and personal data. However, many users are faced with a situation where this option is no longer relevant or begins to consume unnecessary system resources. The deactivation process can seem confusing, especially if you have not used the second profile for a long time and have forgotten your pattern lock or password.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the nuances of deleting a virtual profile in the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS. You will learn how to properly clean the data to free up space, and what to do if the standard path through the settings is not available.

Before we take any drastic action, we need to understand the consequences: Deleting Second Space means permanently losing all the apps, photos, contacts and messages that were created or stored in this isolated memory segment, and the data from the main profile will remain intact, but the content of the second access will no longer be.

What happens when the second space is removed?

When you initiate the deletion process, the operating system begins the process of cleaning the dedicated partition of memory, which is not just hiding the icon, but deep formatting of user data related to the guest account. Android, in conjunction with the shell from Xiaomi, removes the cache, application databases and interface settings.

It is worth noting that not only is the space that the files occupied freed up, but also the RAM that could be used for the background processes of the second profile, and after the operation is completed, the phone may require a reboot to redistribute system resources.

• 🗑️ Completely erasing all user data from the guest profile, including gallery and downloads.
• 📉 Freeing up the device’s internal memory, which can speed up the smartphone.
• 🔄 Reset system settings specific to the Second Space to factory values of the main profile.

It's important to understand the difference between temporary exit and complete deletion. You can just switch to the main profile through the settings or notification bar, saving the data of the second one, but if the goal is to get rid of unnecessary complexity forever, it requires the deletion procedure.

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Copy important photos and documents from the Second Space to the cloud or to your computer before you delete them, as it will not be possible to restore them after cleaning.

Standard method of removal through settings

The safest and most correct method of deactivating the function is through the system menu, which ensures that all processes are stopped correctly and the file system does not get damaged. First, you need to log in to the Second Space to access its management.

Once you log in, you go to the settings menu, and the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same, and you need to find the section that deals with special features or additional system settings.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

The system will request confirmation of the operation. This is a security mechanism to prevent accidental loss of data. You will have to enter the screen unlock password or use biometrics. If you are in the main profile, the path will be similar: Settings → Special features → Second space.

In the profile management menu that opens, you'll usually find a gear icon or a three-dot menu at the top right or bottom of the list, and you'll see the deletion option when you click on it, and the system will alert you again about the risks, and then require final confirmation.

Deletion with a forgotten password or key

The situation where the user forgets the password or pattern lock of the Second Space is one of the most common. Fortunately, the developers of Xiaomi have provided a mechanism for restoring access or forced reset through the main profile.

If you are in the main profile, try to enter the wrong password several times when you try to log in to the second space. After several unsuccessful attempts, the "Forgot your password?" link or a similar option should appear on the screen.

⚠️ Note: Password resets through the main account are only possible if the appropriate synchronization has been enabled beforehand. If the option is not activated, this method may not work.

There is also a radical but effective method: If you can’t log into the second profile, you can try to force it to be deleted through the main profile settings, if the system allows you to do this without authorization in the second one. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find the Second Space system application and try to clear its data or delete updates.

However, the most reliable way to completely block is to clear through the main profile settings, which require confirmation of the device administrator rights, which ensures that only the owner of the main account can eliminate the hidden data.

• 🔑 Using a Mi Account password to reset access to your guest profile.
• 🔒 Application of the main screen unlock password for authorization in system settings.
• 🛑 Forced stop of Second Space services via the app menu.

Features of removal in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI

With the release of the HyperOS shell and the updated versions of MIUI 14, the menu structure has changed, and the logic of the Second Space has become more integrated into the security system, which slightly changed the path to settings.

In newer versions of firmware, profile management is often placed in a separate security subsection. Now the path can look like Security → Second Space or be hidden deeper in the About Phone menu when repeatedly clicked on the kernel version (in rare cases for test features), but most often remains in the standard special features block.

Users of the newer versions also note the emergence of stricter data synchronization warnings before deletion, and the system may suggest backing up contacts or notes before final erasure, a useful feature that should not be ignored.

Problems in removal and ways to solve them

Sometimes the deletion process can get stuck or fail, often because some processes in the Second Space are still active or system services cannot get exclusive access to files to delete them.

If you see an error message or the deletion process takes an unnaturally long time, try restarting your smartphone without entering the second profile. Once enabled, immediately go to the settings and try again to delete. Also, it helps to turn off the Internet at the time of deletion so that synchronization does not block the process.

In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the system application Security helps. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Security → Memory → Clear the cache. After that, try to initiate deleting the profile again.

If nothing works, you can use Safe Boot mode, although on Xiaomi mobile devices this is difficult and requires specific button combinations when booting.The easiest way to do a full reset of the phone settings in case of critical system errors, but this is an extreme measure.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to delete Second Space system files through Root-enabled file managers unless you are an experienced user).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)